The use of ultrasound standing waves to facilitate production of mammalian cell-cell hybrids by electrofusion has been demonstrated. How-ever, no evidence has been presented that such hybrids are cultivable or functional. The proposal seeks support to create mouse-mouse hybridomas by electroacoustic fusion and by electrofusion, to culture the resulting hybridomas for determination of relative yield by each method, and to determine whether such hybridomas secrete antibodies.Electroacoustic fusion allows the use of physiological solutions in contrast to electrofusion which requires potentially harmful hy-potonic media, and conventional polyethylene glycol fusion which employs toxic organic compounds. Electroacoustic fusion therefore offers the possibility of producing greater yields of viable, functional hybridomas, especially when delicate human cells are used as one or both of the cell partners.Commercial Applications:If the hypothesis that electroacoustic fusion produces greater yields of viable, functional hybridomas is confirmed, then Phase 11 support will be sought to develop an electroacoustic fusion apparatus for commercialization during Phase 111.
